Function of Cartilage in the Trachea (Cambridge International IGCSE Biology)

Function of cartilage in the trachea: Extended

Spec point — 11.1.7 · State the function of cartilage in the trachea

Extended Tier Only

• Rings of cartilage surround the trachea (and bronchi)
• The function of the cartilage is to support the airways and keep them open during breathing
• If they were not present then the sides could collapse inwards when the air pressure inside the tubes drops